Natural Remedies to Soothe Symptoms of Gout

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Gout, although relatively common, it can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

Gout often presents the same symptoms as other health complaints. Gout causes the sufferer to have sudden severe joint pain. This can happen in any joint, although usually affects the big toe, fingers, wrists, elbows or knees. Although if treated, it is unlikely to cause any lasting damage, you might experience red, hot or swollen skin around the affected joint.

Although it is essential that you seek some medical advice if you are suffering from any of the symptoms, there are some natural ways that you can help yourself as well.

Cherries:

Cherries are packed full of antioxidants, which provide excellent relief for symptoms of gout. This is because they can help to reduce inflammation, thanks to the anthocyanin, which will also prevent further flare-ups from happening.

For effective treatment, try and eat between fifteen to twenty cherries every day.

Ginger root:

Again, like cherries, ginger root has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, which provide significant relief for the symptoms of gout. The easiest way to incorporate this is to add it to your meals when you are cooking. Alternatively, it is effortless to make ginger tea, by adding ginger root to boiling water and then consuming it when it is cooled.

If you are not keen on the taste of ginger, you can make a topical solution, which can be applied directly onto the affected area. To do this, just combine the ginger root with a small amount of water, before applying it to the area and leaving it on for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Keep hydrated:

If you are suffering from gout, one of the most important things that you can do is to stay hydrated. Gout occurs when there is a build up of uric acid in your body, and drinking plenty of water will help to flush this out of your system, which will, in turn, keep the symptoms under control.

Apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is a common natural remedy that can be used to treat many different health complaints. Gout is one of them.

This is because the acidity of the vinegar helps to alleviate the pain and reduce the inflammation, which will make the flare-ups less intense.

To use effectively, just add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and then drink this solution two to three times a day. If you find that this solution works well, you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar that you add to the water.

Cold water:

Cold is an excellent remedy to help reduce swelling and can be a great way of treating gout. However; it is essential that you soak the affected area in cold water to relieve the pain, as opposed to using ice.

Ice can be actually very damaging to the skin and joints when used to treat gout, and can actually make the condition far worse, so should be avoided.

Bananas:

If you are suffering from a flare up of gout, bananas are one of the best forms of natural treatments. This is because they contain such high levels of potassium, and helps to convert the uric acid crystals in the body, into a liquid, which you can then expel through urination.

On top of this, they contain high levels of vitamin C, which can also help to reduce the swelling and pain. To use effectively, try and consume one or two bananas every day.

Baking soda:

Again, like bananas, baking soda can help to reduce the amount of uric acid that is in the body, which, as we have previously said is one of the leading causes of gout. By removing this, you can help to control the pain.

To use effectively, simply mix half a teaspoon into a glass of water, and consume this mixture four times a day for two weeks. However; if you are over the age of 60, you should only be drinking this solution three times a day.

Activated charcoal:

The way that activated charcoal works is by absorbing the uric acid, which will help to reduce the effects that gout has on the body.

To use effectively, soak in a bath with half a cup of charcoal powder, or create a paste made from charcoal powder and water and apply to the affected area for relief from the pain.

Epsom salt:

Epsom salts are known for having high levels of magnesium, which in turn helps to reduce high blood pressure, which can lead to swelling, making it a great and natural way to treat gout symptoms.

To use effectively, merely soak the affected area in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water to try and reduce the pain, and swelling.

Exercise:

If you are suffering from any form of joint pain, often exercise is the last thing we want to do; however, it is a handy form of treatment for gout symptoms.

This is because it naturally reduces the level of uric acid in our body, which, as we have previously said is one of the most common symptoms of the condition.

So, by taking part in regular exercise, it will help to reduce the frequency and the severity of the flare-ups that you are suffering from.

Apples:

Apples are a great foodstuff to eat when you are suffering from gout. This is because they contain malic acid, which again helps to reduce the uric acid in the body, thus reducing the symptoms.

Disclaimer – Content written for and on behalf of Healthnotepad.com is not professional medical advice and therefore cannot be taken as such. If you have a serious health problem or are affected by any of the topics covered on Healthnotepad.com, you could seek professional medical advice. Please be aware of other issues such as allergens that may come in to play when reviewing our posts. Always consult a doctor if you or a peer has genuine health concerns.

I am a keen writer, with a particular passion for food and the health industry. I love to cook at home in my spare time, and am always looking for new and exciting recipes to try that will also improve my health. I have a keen interest in natural therapies, and how it is possible to treat illnesses well, without turning to more conventional medicines. I have many years of experience as a writer, and passion for health.